Barry University announces new Associate Vice President for Alumni Relations and Annual Giving
Barry University is pleased to announce a new Associate Vice President for Alumni Relations and Annual Giving. Matthew Blair, BA ’04, joins Barry after an extensive nation-wide search with 100s of applicants and screening by a selection committee, consisting of a cross section of Barry staff and alumni.
Matthew Blair is a Barry alumnus, who graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications in 2004. While he was a student, he began his career in Institutional Advancement as a caller and supervisor for the Barry University phonathon, in an era where this initiative was achieving record numbers for alumni giving. During his undergraduate years, Blair was an active member of Alpha Delta Gamma Fraternity and served as an executive board member and treasurer for the organization. He has spent the past eight years as the Director of Affiliate Relations and Marketing for The Delilah Show. The Delilah show is one of the longest running and most successful radio programs in the world, reaching over 10 million listeners each month. Blair’s role included managing the relationships with over 200 affiliate radio stations that air the Delilah Show. He honed his skills in management, communications, marketing, public relations and fan based initiatives, which is all highly transferable to the field of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving and will help to ensure that the program continues to succeed and grow.
Blair begins his role with Barry on January 27 and was hired to replace Elizabeth Reed, the current Associate Vice President for Alumni Relations and Annual Giving. Reed has been with Barry over three years and is leaving her position to relocate to Nashville, TN in support of her husband’s career. She and the rest of the Alumni Relations and Annual Giving team are looking forward to a bright future for the Barry University Alumni Association under Blair’s leadership. Reed is excited to transition him into his new position and will do so until February 28. She will spend the next month overseeing Reunion and Homecoming weekend and ensuring that Blair has all of the necessary training for a very smooth transition. We are very grateful to Reed for her leadership during the last three years.
Matthew Blair’s top priority is to ensure the continued growth and improvement of the Barry University Alumni Association. After he begins his role, he will make it a priority to reach out to alumni to get their input on how Barry can continue to improve alumni services and programs. Please don’t hesitate to contact the Department of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving to welcome Blair and to provide your feedback at alumni@barry.edu or (305) 899-3175.